District of Connecticut

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that EFRAIN MOLINA, also known as “Frankie,” 34, of Bridgeport, pleaded guilty yesterday before U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in Bridgeport to a heroin and cocaine trafficking offense.

According to court documents and statements made in court, in December 2018, the Drug Enforcement Administration learn that Efrain Molina’s uncle, Carlitos Molina, also known as “Carlos,” was transporting kilogram-quantities of heroin and cocaine to Connecticut from his home in South Carolina.  Efrain Molina then sold the drugs in and around Bridgeport.  In January 2019, members of the DEA and Bridgeport Police Department arranged a controlled purchase of approximately one kilogram of cocaine and 400 grams of heroin from the Molinas in exchange for $53,000.  On January 17, 2019, Efrain and Carlitos Molina were arrested after they arrived at location in Bridgeport in possession of narcotics.

Efrain Molina pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute, and to possess with intent to distribute, more than 100 grams of heroin and more than 500 grams of cocaine, an offense that carries a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of five years and a maximum term of imprisonment of 40 years.  He is released on a $150,000 bond pending sentencing, which is not scheduled.

Carlitos Molina, 48, has been detained since his arrest.  He pleaded guilty to the same charge on May 17, 2019, and is scheduled to be sentenced on October 17.

Carlitos Molina has an extensive criminal history and, at time of this offense, was on parole in the State of Georgia for trafficking methamphetamine.  He faces the remaining 10 years of a 20-year state sentence when he is released from federal custody.

This matter has been investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Bridgeport Police Department and Connecticut State Police.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Maria del Pilar Gonzalez

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that MOHAMMADREZA KAMALI, also known as “Reza,” 19, of Willimantic, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Janet C. Hall in New Haven to 18 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for illegally manufacturing and selling firearms. 

According to court documents and statements made in court, an investigation into Kamali began after law enforcement learned that Kamali was offering to sell firearms to individuals in Connecticut.  In October and November 2018, Kamali sold four AR-15 style firearms, which he had built himself after ordering parts on the internet, to an undercover ATF special agent.

Kamali was arrested on November 2, 2018.  On April 16, 2019, he pleaded guilty to one count of dealing in firearms without a license.

Kamali, who is released on a $50,000 bond, is required to report to prison on October 30.

This matter was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and Willimantic Police Department.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Lauren Clark.

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that the U.S. Attorney’s Office has reached a settlement agreement with DRX NORWALK, P.C. doing business as AFC Urgent Care in Norwalk, to resolve allegations that the urgent care facility was not operating in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (“ADA”).

The settlement agreement resolves an ADA complaint filed by the parent of a child with developmental disabilities.  The complaint alleged that a doctor at AFC Urgent Care Norwalk refused to provide the complainant’s child with a school physical based on the doctor’s determination that the child’s developmental disability made him too medically complex to be seen at an urgent care facility.

Under the terms of the settlement agreement, AFC Urgent Care Norwalk will submit for approval to the U.S. Attorney’s Office a nondiscrimination policy that outlines AFC Urgent Care Norwalk’s obligations pursuant to Title III of the ADA and sets forth a patient grievance procedure.  Once approved, AFC Urgent Care Norwalk will post the nondiscrimination policy on its website and will also physically post the policy in public view at AFC Urgent Care Norwalk’s office.  Further, AFC Urgent Care Norwalk will train its staff members on Title III of the ADA and the new nondiscrimination policy.  AFC Urgent Care Norwalk will also compensate the complainant in the amount of $2,500.

Under federal law, private entities that own or operate places of “public accommodation,” including professional offices of healthcare providers, hospitals, and other service establishments are prohibited from discriminating on the basis of disability.  The ADA authorizes the U.S. Department of Justice to investigate complaints and undertake periodic reviews of compliance of covered entities.  The Justice Department is also authorized to commence a civil lawsuit in federal court in any case that involves a pattern or practice of discrimination or that raises issues of general public importance, and to seek injunctive relief, monetary damages, and civil penalties.

U.S. Attorney Durham noted that the management of AFC Urgent Care Norwalk was cooperative with the U.S. Attorney’s Office and is committed to addressing the issues raised by the ADA investigation without litigation.

“The U.S. Attorney’s Office enforces the Americans with Disabilities Act, which ensures that individuals are able to access places of public accommodation in Connecticut, including medical services at doctors’ offices, hospitals, urgent care and other healthcare facilities,” stated U.S. Attorney Durham.  “AFC Urgent Care Norwalk has fully cooperated throughout our investigation and has made clear its commitment going forward to comply in all respects with the ADA.”

Any member of the public who wishes to file a complaint alleging that any place of public accommodation or public entity in Connecticut is not accessible to persons with disabilities may contact the U.S. Attorney’s Office at 203-821-3700.

Additional information about the ADA can be found at www.ada.gov, or by calling the Justice Department’s toll-free information line at (800) 514-0301 and (800) 514-0383 (TTY).  More information about the Civil Rights Division and the laws it enforces is available at www.justice.gov/crt.

This matter was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica H. Soufer of the District of Connecticut in coordination with the Disability Rights Section of the U.S. Department of Justice Civil Rights Division.

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that DANYER MOYA-GONZALEZ, 30, of Hartford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Alvin W. Thompson in Hartford to 66 months of imprisonment for trafficking heroin.

According to court documents and statements made in court, this matters stems from a DEA Hartford Task Force investigation of a heroin trafficking organization that was operating in Connecticut, Massachusetts, New York and the Dominican Republic.  The investigation, which included court-authorized wiretaps, revealed that Moya and other members of the organization distributed heroin from Moya’s store, the Katty Grocery located at 584 Franklin Avenue in Hartford.  The investigation also revealed that the organization stored a significant amount of narcotics at a co-conspirator’s residence on Whitmore Street in Hartford’s South End.

Between September and December 2016, investigators made multiple controlled purchases of heroin from Franklyn Caraballo-Almonte, who worked at Katty Grocery.  After arranging the sale, Caraballo would travel to Moya’s residence to pick up the narcotics, or Moya would deliver the drugs to the Katty Grocery.

Moya was arrested on April 13, 2017.  On April 27, 2017, a grand jury returned an indictment charging Moya, Caraballo, and eight other individuals with various heroin trafficking offenses.  On March 13, 2019, Moya pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute heroin, and four counts of possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, heroin.

Moya-Gonzalez, a citizen of the Dominican Republic, faces deportation proceedings when he completes his prison term.

Caraballo has pleaded guilty and awaits sentencing.

The DEA’s Hartford Task Force includes personnel from the DEA Hartford Resident Office and the Bristol, Hartford, East Hartford, Manchester, New Britain, Rocky Hill, Wethersfield, Windsor Locks and Willimantic Police Departments.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Geoffrey M. Stone.

John H. Durham. United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that BRIAN GREGAN, 33, of Windsor Locks, waived his right to be indicted and pleaded guilty today in New Haven federal court to one count of receipt of child pornography.

According to court documents and statements made in court, in June 2017, Gregan and a 13-year-old boy were communicating through the Kik messaging application.  After the boy informed Gregan that he was 14 years old, they engaged in sexually explicit communications during which the boy sent sexually explicit pictures and video of himself to Gregan.  In addition, Gregan possessed on his Apple iPad a video of another girl, who was under the age of 18, engaged in a sexual act.

Gregan was arrested on related state charges on April 6, 2018.

Gregan is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Janet C. Hall on January 2, 2020, at which time Gregan faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of five years and a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.

Following today’s court proceeding, Gregan was released on a $50,000 bond with internet and location monitoring conditions.

This matter is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Manchester Police Department.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Neeraj N. Patel.

This prosecution is part of the U.S. Department of Justice’s Project Safe Childhood Initiative, which is aimed at protecting children from sexual abuse and exploitation.  For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.

To report cases of child exploitation, please visit www.cybertipline.com.

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Hannibal “Mike” Ware, Inspector General, Small Business Administration, announced that SCOTT SUNDHOLM, 39, of Old Saybrook, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to two years of probation and a $5,000 fine for making false statements for the purpose of obtaining a Small Business Administration loan.

According to court documents and statements made in court, Sundholm owns and operates S&S Marine, LLC, a marina located in Old Saybrook.  In 2016, Sundholm applied for and received a disaster loan from the Small Business Administration after claiming that Hurricane Sandy, which struck Connecticut in late October 2012, caused a tidal surge at the marina and damaged floating boat docks, a boat ramp, a bath house, a metal shop building and other structures.  Sundholm also claimed that the bath house he had replaced after the hurricane was of the same size and quality as to what was in place prior to the storm.

An investigation revealed that certain claims made by Sundholm about damage that Hurricane Sandy caused his marina were not true.  Sundholm had demolished the marina’s pre-existing bath house in September 2012, more than a month before Hurricane Sandy, and the bath house was dilapidated and not similar in size and quality to the new bath house that Sundholm subsequently built.  In addition, no floating boat docks or boat ramps existed at the marina prior to the hurricane.

Sundholm has paid full restitution of $1,653,257.10 to the Small Business Administration.

This matter was investigated by the Small Business Administration Office of Inspector General and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John T. Pierpont, Jr.

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that FREDDY ANTONIO MARTE-JEREZ, 58, a citizen of the Dominican Republic last residing in Danbury, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in Bridgeport to approximately 15 months of imprisonment, time served, for illegally reentering the U.S. after being deported.

According to court documents and statements made in court, in 1998, Marte’s wife filed an I-130 Petition for an Alien Relative with the Immigration and Naturalization Service (“INS”) providing documentation that she was a U.S. citizen and that she and Marte were legally married.  After the petition was approved, Marte filed an I-485 Application for Permanent Residence or to Adjust Status.  This application was denied based on Marte’s failure to disclose a prior narcotics conviction in the State of Rhode Island.  In November 2000, Marte appeared before an Immigration Judge in Hartford and was released on bond while awaiting a hearing date.

In October 2007, Marte was convicted in Danbury Superior Court for sale of illegal drugs.  On March 3, 2010, following completion of his state sentence, he was deported to the Dominican Republic.

Marte illegally reentered the U.S. and was arrested while using the name “Antonio Nunez” in Danbury.  In December 2015, Marte was convicted in Danbury Superior Court of burglary in the third degree.  He was sentenced to three years of incarceration, execution suspended, and three years of probation.  Based on his use of a false identity, his arrest and conviction did not become known to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

On March 19, 2018, Marte, using a different identity, was arrested in Danbury for motor vehicle offenses.  His true identity was subsequently discovered through a fingerprint comparison and ICE took him into custody following his release from a state court appearance on June 27, 2018.

Marte has been detained since his arrest.  On July 22, 2019, he pleaded guilty to reentry of a removed alien.

Marte was released into ICE custody for removal proceedings.

This investigation was conducted by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Deborah R. Slater.

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Brian C. Turner, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, today announced that a federal grand jury in New Haven returned an indictment yesterday charging ERIC RUNDSTROM, 45, of Wallingford, with two counts of receipt and possession of child pornography.

As alleged in court documents, an FBI investigation revealed that Rundstrom had accessed an online website to connect with others interested in collecting and sharing images and videos of child pornography, and he would exchange emails with others.  Investigators discovered a link to an online file hosting account associated with Rundstrom where hundreds of images and videos of child pornography had been stored, including images of adult males sexually abusing prepubescent females.

The charge of receipt of child pornography carries a mandatory minimum of five years and a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.

Rundstrom was arrested on a federal criminal complaint on February 14, 2019, and is released on a $25,000 bond.

U.S. Attorney Durham stressed that an indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt.  Charges are only allegations and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

This matter is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Anastasia E. King.

This prosecution is part of the U.S. Department of Justice’s Project Safe Childhood Initiative, which is aimed at protecting children from sexual abuse and exploitation.  For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.

To report cases of child exploitation, please visit www.cybertipline.com.

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Jeffery Thorpe, Special Agent in Charge of the Defense Criminal Investigative Service Cyber Field Office, today announced that CHRISTOPHER TEIXEIRA, 35, formerly of Darien and currently residing in Norwalk, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant in Hartford to six months of imprisonment, followed by two years of supervised release, for stealing more than $57,000 from a former U.S. Navy service member.

According to court documents and statements made in court, the Defense Finance and Accounting Service (“DFAS”) is the agency of the U.S. Department of Defense that administers all payments to U.S. service members.  DFAS operates the “MyPay” online portal, through which service members may provide and obtain information related to payments from DFAS.

A U.S. Navy service member (“the victim”) was scheduled to receive a medical severance payment from the Navy in January 2017.  The victim provided his MyPay login and password information to Teixeira, who he trusted with certain financial responsibilities.  On January 10, 2017, before the victim was to receive the medical severance payment, Teixeira changed the victim’s direct deposit information to a bank account controlled by Teixeira.  DFAS then sent the victim’s $57,255.66 medical severance payment to Teixeira’s account.  In order to avoid detection, Teixeira logged back into the victim’s MyPay account and reverted the direct deposit instructions back to the victim’s bank account.

Teixeira and the victim communicated after Teixeira stole the medical severance payment.  Instead of admitting to the theft, Teixeira told the victim that he would assist in finding the money.  When the victim indicated he was in need of funds, Teixeira transferred approximately $6,500 to the victim without telling him that Teixeira had stolen the money.

The investigation revealed that Teixeira also defrauded the Navy Federal Credit Union of $25,736.95 by taking out a personal loan and opening a credit card in the victim’s name.

Teixeira used the stolen funds to pay his own personal expenses, and transferred $25,000 to another individual’s account.

Judge Bryant ordered Teixeira to make full restitution to the victim and the Navy Federal Credit Union.

“Unauthorized access of Department of Defense networks and the victimization of American warfighters present significant risks to U.S. national security and Department of Defense operations, and DCIS special agents will aggressively hunt down and bring cyber criminals to justice,” said Jeffery Thorpe, Special Agent in Charge of the Defense Criminal Investigative Service Cyber Field Office.  “This sentencing is the direct result of a joint investigative effort between DCIS and the Defense Finance and Accounting Service Criminal Investigations Branch to vigorously investigate individuals who illegally access Department of Defense networks and those that would exploit American warfighters that have served their country.  We remain vigilant in our efforts to safeguard the integrity of the Department of Defense and its enterprise of information technology systems.”

On October 17, 2018, Teixeira pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud.

Teixeira, who is released on bond, is required to report to prison on January 8, 2020.

This matter was investigated by the Defense Criminal Investigative Service and the Defense Finance and Accounting Service.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer R. Laraia. 

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that DANIEL LION, 65, of Hamden, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Janet C. Hall in New Haven to nine months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for embezzling more than $100,000 from the City of New Haven.  Judge Hall also fined Lion $7500 and ordered him to perform 300 hours of community service while on supervised release.

According to court documents and statements made in court, Lion was employed by the City of New Haven for approximately 40 years, most recently in the city’s accounting department.  New Haven had a policy where employees can be paid in advance if they are about to take approved vacation leave.  As part of his employment, Lion had access to the city’s payroll system.

From approximately 2002 to June 2018, Lion periodically accessed the city’s financial accounting software to issue vacation paychecks to himself.  He then deleted the computer entries for the checks, which caused the payroll system to issue his regular paycheck, as well.  Through this scheme, Lion stole $102,947.44 from the City of New Haven.

Judge Hall ordered Lion to make full restitution.

Lion retired from the City of New Haven in March 2019.

On May 22, 2019, Lion pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud.

Lion, who is released on bond, is required to report to prison on December 4, 2019.

This investigation was conducted by the Connecticut Financial Crimes Task Force, U.S. Secret Service and New Haven Police Department.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ray Miller.

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that OMAYRA SANTIAGO, 43, of Waterbury, waived her right to be indicted and pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Janet C. Hall in New Haven to one count of theft and conversion of public money related to her illegal receipt of Social Security benefits.

According to court documents and statements made in court, for approximately 13 years, Santiago received monthly Social Security benefits from the Social Security Administration (“SSA”) in the form of Supplemental Security Income (“SSI”).  Santiago was the representative payee of her children’s SSI benefits, and she represented to the SSA that her household’s income, resources and living arrangements caused the children to be eligible for SSI benefits.

In pleading guilty, Santiago admitted that, from 2005 to 2018, she made multiple false statements to the SSA, including misrepresentations of her income, resources and living arrangements, in order to qualify for and receive SSI benefits.  In addition, in January 2017, Santiago received approximately $220,000 from the settlement of civil lawsuit, but never disclosed her receipt of the money to the SSA.

Between 2005 and 2018, Santiago collected more than $146,752.86 worth of SSI benefits.

Judge Hall scheduled sentencing for December 30, 2019, at which time Santiago faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years.

This matter is being investigated by the Social Security Administration Office of the Inspector General.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Margaret M. Donovan.

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that ANTHONY DUNCAN, also known as “Heavy D,” 32, of New Haven, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant in Hartford to 63 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for unlawfully possessing firearms.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on November 24, 2017, New Haven Police officers stopped a vehicle Duncan was operating at the intersection of Starr Street and Sheffield Avenue in New Haven.  A search of the vehicle revealed a loaded Smith and Wesson M&P Shield .40 caliber handgun.

Prior to that date, Duncan had been convicted in state court of felony drug, robbery and weapon offenses.

On October 27, 2017, Duncan had been the victim of a shooting at the same intersection.

Duncan was arrested on state charges on November 24, 2017, and was released on bond.  On June 26, 2018, as investigators were attempting to arrest Duncan on a federal criminal complaint, Duncan drove his vehicle at a high rate of speed down a dead end road and across a field.  After the car was no longer operational, he fled on foot into a wooded area where he was apprehended.  A subsequent search of his residence revealed another firearm and quantities of crack cocaine and heroin.

Duncan has been detained since his arrest on June 26, 2018.  State charges related to Duncan’s flight from law enforcement and illegal possession of a firearm and narcotics are pending.

This investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the New Haven Police Department.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Patricia Stolfi Collins.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that VALERIE WILLIAMS, LPC, and her business, CIRCLE OF LIFE TRANSITION CENTER, LLC, have entered into a civil settlement agreement with the federal and state governments and will pay more than $45,000 to resolve allegations that they violated the federal and state False Claims Acts.

Williams is a state Licensed Professional Counselor and the owner of Circle of Life Transition Center, a private behavioral health practice in Hartford.  Williams is enrolled as a Licensed Behavioral Health Clinician in Independent Practice in the Connecticut Medical Assistance Program (“CMAP”), which includes the state’s Medicaid program.  It is alleged that Williams billed Medicaid for psychotherapy services as if she had provided those services when, in fact, unlicensed individuals provided the services.

The Connecticut Department of Social Services Provider Manual for Licensed Behavioral Health Clinicians in Independent Practice explicitly states, “The department shall not pay for…services provided by anyone other than the provider.”

To resolve the allegations under the federal and state False Claims Acts, Williams and the Circle of Life Transition Center will pay $45,488.57 in order to reimburse the Medicaid program for conduct occurring from January 1, 2014 to April 5, 2017.  Williams has also agreed to a voluntary seven-year suspension from the Connecticut Medicaid Program as part of the settlement.

Under the False Claims Act, the government can recover up to three times its actual damages, plus penalties of $11,181 to $22,363 for each false claim.

This case stems from a larger investigation into fraudulent activity in the area of behavioral health services, which has been jointly conducted by the Office of the Inspector General of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit of the Chief State’s Attorney’s Office and the Connecticut Office of the Attorney General, with support from the Connecticut Department of Social Services.

This matter was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Anne Thidemann, and Assistant Attorney General Karla Turekian of the Connecticut Office of the Attorney General.

People who suspect health care fraud are encouraged to report it by calling 1-800-HHS-TIPS or the Health Care Fraud Task Force at (203) 777-6311.

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Kristina O’Connell, Special Agent in Charge of IRS Criminal Investigation in New England, announced that DEVON WILLIAMS, 30, of Atlanta, Georgia, pleaded guilty yesterday before U.S. District Judge Janet C. Hall in New Haven to preparing false tax returns

According to court documents and statements made in court, Williams formerly owned and operated Perfect Preparers, LLC, a tax preparation business based in New Haven.  Between approximately 2014 and 2017, Williams prepared numerous federal tax returns for clients that contained false deductions, including deductions for unreimbursed employee expenses, charitable donations, and mortgage interest.  Some returns contained false Schedule C (sole proprietorship business) information.

Williams pleaded guilty to one count of aiding and assisting the preparation of a false tax return, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of three years.

In pleading guilty, Williams agreed that losses suffered by the IRS as a result of his fraud totaled more than $550,000.

Judge Hall scheduled sentencing for December 27, 2019.  Williams is released on a $150,000 bond pending sentencing.

As a result of Williams’ fraudulent conduct, many of his clients’ filed tax returns will need to be amended.  Williams’ clients are required to resolve their own tax liability with the IRS.

This matter is being investigated by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer R. Laraia.

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that JENNIFER KELLNER, 29, of Bridgeport, was sentenced yesterday by Senior U.S. District Judge Alfred V. Covello in Hartford to 18 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for committing two bank robberies in Bridgeport in 2017.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on August 15, 2017, Kellner entered the Chase Bank at 723 Boston Avenue in Bridgeport, handed the teller a brown paper bag and a note demanding money.  She told the teller not to do anything “stupid” because “there were a lot of people here and small children.”  The teller placed $1,987 in the bag and handed it to Kellner, who then exited the bank.

On August 23, 2017, Kellner also robbed approximately $1,000 from the Chase Bank located at 2125 Main Street in Bridgeport, and threatened to shoot the teller if the teller pushed any buttons in an effort to alert law enforcement.

Kellner was arrested on related state charges on August 27, 2017.  On April 8, 2019, she pleaded guilty to one count of bank robbery.

Kellner, who is released on bond and residing in a drug treatment facility, is required to report to prison on January 6, 2020.

This investigation is being conducted by the Bridgeport Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Rahul Kale.

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JONELL BONILLA, 25, of Waterbury, pleaded guilty today in Hartford federal court to charges related to his operation of a counterfeit check bank fraud scheme.

According to court documents and statements made in court, between approximately December 2017 and January 2019, Bonilla and others obtained access to bank accounts by recruiting individuals through social media and persuading the individuals to share their account information, including debit cards and associated PIN numbers.  The account holders were paid for providing access to their bank accounts.  Bonilla and his co-conspirators misrepresented to the account holders that U.S. Postal Service money orders or authentic checks would be deposited into their accounts.  After Bonilla and his co-conspirators had access to the accounts, they deposited counterfeit checks into those accounts, and withdrew money from the accounts before the banks discovered the checks to be counterfeit.

Through this scheme, Bonilla and his co-conspirators defrauded at least 12 banks of a total of approximately $240,000.

Bonilla pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud and one count of bank fraud, offenses that carry a maximum term of imprisonment of 30 years each count.  He is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant on January 9, 2020.

Bonilla has been detained since his arrest on January 9, 2019.

This matter is being investigated by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the U.S. Secret Service.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John T. Pierpont, Jr.

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that JAMAR SMITH, also known as “JT,” 37, of Bridgeport, and JOHN FLANNERY, III, 29, of East Hartford, have been charged with various federal offenses related to the straw purchases of firearms.

As alleged in court documents, Smith has been previously convicted in state court of multiple felony offenses and, as a convicted felon, is prohibited from purchasing or possessing firearms and ammunition.  In March 2019, Smith recruited Flannery, who had a valid Connecticut pistol permit, to purchase firearms for Smith and his associates.  On three occasions in March and April 2019, Flannery purchased semiautomatic pistols at federally licensed firearms dealers in Bridgeport and East Hartford, typically with cash that Smith had given him.  During each of the transactions, Flannery was required to complete an ATF Form 4473.  On the forms, Flannery falsely marked “Yes” in response to the question “Are you the actual buyer of the firearm(s) listed on the form?”  He also marked “No” in response to the question “Are you an unlawful user of, or addicted to, marijuana or any depressant, stimulant, narcotic drug, or any other controlled substance?”

It is alleged that Flannery provided the three firearms to Smith.

It is further alleged that, on April 17, 2019, after the Bridgeport firearms dealer had refused to sell Flannery another handgun and subsequently alerted the Connecticut State Police, Flannery unsuccessfully attempted to purchase two semiautomatic pistol at a firearms dealer in Newington.

It is also alleged that Flannery, at Smith’s direction, told the Connecticut State Police that he was purchasing firearms to start a licensed security business.

Flannery was arrested on state charges on July 23, 2019.  On August 7, a grand jury in Bridgeport returned an indictment charging him with two counts of making a false statement during the purchase of a firearm, and two counts of transfer of a firearm to a prohibited person.  Each offense carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years.  He is released on a $100,000 bond pending trial.

On September 10, 2019, Smith was arrested on a federal criminal complaint.  On September 19, a grand jury in Bridgeport returned an indictment charging him with one count of conspiracy to make a false statement during the purchase of a firearm, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of five years; four counts of aiding and abetting the making of false statements during the purchase of a firearm, and three counts of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, offenses that carry a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years on each count.

Smith appeared today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Donna F. Martinez in Hartford and entered a plea of not guilty to the charges.  He has been detained since his arrest.

U.S. Attorney Durham stressed that an indictment is not evidence of guilt.  Charges are only allegations, and each defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

This matter is being investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Connecticut State Police.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Karen L. Peck.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make neighborhoods safer for everyone.

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that RAEKWON OVERSTREET, 24, of Waterbury, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Jeffrey A. Meyer in New Haven to one count of possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on February 19, 2019, as part of a special parole compliance check, law enforcement officials searched Overstreet and found that he had in his possession a loaded Springfield 9mm firearm.

Overstreet’s criminal history includes a state felony conviction for conspiracy to commit robbery in the first degree.

It is a violation of federal law for a person previously convicted of a felony offense to possess a firearm or ammunition that has moved in interstate or foreign commerce.

Judge Meyer scheduled sentencing for January 13, 2020, at which time Overstreet faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years.

Overstreet has been detained since his arrest on February 19, 2019.

This matter has been investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco Firearms and Explosives and the Waterbury Police Department.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael J. Gustafson.      

This prosecution has been brought through Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make neighborhoods safer for everyone.

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that MARIANO IRIZARRY, 35, of New Haven, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Jeffrey A. Meyer in New Haven to one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and one count of distributing a controlled substance while on pretrial release.

According to court documents and statements made in court, in the early morning hours of January 1, 2019, New Haven Police officers assigned to a New Year’s Eve crime prevention detail responded to a disturbance and a report of an individual with a gun in front of a nightclub on Hamilton Street in New Haven.  At the scene, a bystander identified Irizarry as being in possession of a gun.  After ignoring various commands from officers, Irizarry opened the driver’s side door of his vehicle and made furtive movements in the area of the steering wheel.  He then closed the door and surrendered to officers.  A subsequent search of the area beneath the steering wheel revealed a loaded .40 caliber Glock 27 pistol.

The firearm had been reported stolen in a residential burglary in New Haven in March 2015.

Irizarry’s criminal history includes felony drug convictions in 2000 and 2010, and a felony conviction in August 2000 for illegal sexual contact with a minor.

Irizarry was arrested on a federal criminal complaint on February 6, 2019, and was released on a $50,000 bond.  On June 17, 2019, he sold four bags of heroin, some of which contained fentanyl, to an individual working with law enforcement.  He has been detained since his arrest on June 27, 2019.

Judge Meyer scheduled sentencing for January 14, 2020, at which time Irizarry faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 40 years.

This matter has been investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Drug Enforcement Administration and the New Haven Police Department.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael J. Gustafson.         

This prosecution has been brought through Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make neighborhoods safer for everyone.

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that LEWIS CORWISE, 29, formerly of Norwich and New York City, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Kari A. Dooley in Bridgeport to 60 months of imprisonment, followed by four years of supervised release, for illegally possessing a firearm in relation to his drug trafficking activity.

 According to court documents and statements made in court, on April 5, 2018, Norwich Police arrived at a Norwich residence to arrest Corwise, who had a warrant for his arrest in New York.  Corwise attempted to run from police, resisted and was apprehended.  At the time of his arrest, Corwise possessed a loaded Springfield xD-45 handgun, a zip lock bag containing nearly 60 grams of heroin, a small quantity of marijuana, a digital scale, five cellphones and other items.

Corwise has been detained since his arrest.  On August 1, 2019, he pleaded guilty to one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

This investigation was conducted by the Norwich Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Patricia Stolfi Collins.

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that CAREEMA LEWIS, 33, of Waterbury, waived her right to be indicted and pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in Bridgeport to theft of mail by a postal employee.

According to court documents and statements made in court, between September 2018 and January 2019, while she was employed as a postal worker at the U.S. Post Office in Plymouth, Lewis stole numerous pieces of mail, specifically, greeting cards that contained gift cards or other items of value.  When confronted by investigators in January 2019, Lewis admitted that she stole “between 20 and 50” gift cards from the mail.  Lewis subsequently surrendered approximately 10 gift cards that she had stolen from greeting cards, and approximately 17 pieces of stolen mail that she had in her vehicle and her purse.

At sentencing, which is not yet scheduled, Lewis faces a maximum term of imprisonment of five years.

This matter is being investigated by the U.S. Postal Service Office of the Inspector General and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Margaret M. Donovan.

U.S. Attorney Durham encouraged individuals who believe they are a victim of theft related to this case to file a complaint by calling 888-USPS-OIG, or by visiting https://www.uspsoig.gov/form/file-online-complaint

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Leigh-Alistair Barzey, Special Agent in Charge of the DCIS Northeast Field Office, today announced that DR. PHILIPPE R. CHAIN has entered into a civil settlement agreement with the federal government in which he will pay $300,000 to resolve allegations that he violated the False Claims Act.

Chain, who currently practices medicine in Florida, previously practiced medicine in Connecticut.  While in Connecticut, Chain also worked for CallMD, a telemedicine company located Nevada, to perform telehealth services.  The telehealth services Chain provided involved prescribing compounded medications to TRICARE beneficiaries.

TRICARE is the federal health care program for active duty military personnel, retirees, and their families. “Compounding” is a practice by which a pharmacist combines, mixes, or alters the ingredients of a drug to create a medication tailored to the needs of an individual patient.  Compounded medications are not FDA-approved.

The government alleges that Chain caused pharmacies to submit false claims for compounded medications to TRICARE by issuing or approving prescriptions that were invalid, because Chain did not speak with or examine the patients in question and did not have an established physician-patient relationship with them.  It is further alleged that many of the prescriptions were not medically necessary.

To resolve the government’s allegations under the False Claims Act, Chain agreed to pay $300,000, which covers claims submitted to the TRICARE program from January 28, 2015 through July 28, 2015.

“We will work to aggressively protect the health care benefits for our service members, veterans, and their families,” said U.S. Attorney Durham.  “Health care providers who cause false claims to be submitted to federal health care programs will be held accountable.”

“One of the Defense Criminal Investigative Service’s (DCIS) investigative priorities is to ensure the integrity of TRICARE, the U.S. Department of Defense’s health care program for military members, retirees and their dependents,” stated Leigh-Alistair Barzey, Special Agent in Charge of the DCIS Northeast Field Office.  “This settlement is the result of a joint effort and demonstrates DCIS’ ongoing commitment to partner with the Connecticut U.S. Attorney’s Office to investigate and prosecute health care providers who submit false claims to TRICARE.”

This matter was investigated by the U.S. Department of Defense Office of Inspector General, Defense Criminal Investigative Service.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Richard M. Molot.

People who suspect health care fraud are encouraged to report it by calling 1-800-HHS-TIPS or the Health Care Fraud Task Force at (203) 777-6311.

The Justice Department today announced a coordinated health care fraud enforcement action across seven federal districts in the Northeastern United States, involving more than $800 million in loss and the distribution of over 3.25 million pills of opioids in “pill mill” clinics.  The takedown includes new charges against 48 defendants for their roles in submitting over $160 million in fraudulent claims, including charges against 15 doctors or medical professionals, and 24 who were charged for their roles in diverting opioids.   

In addition to the new charges, today’s enforcement action also includes the guilty pleas of three corporate executives, including the Vice President of Marketing of numerous telemedicine companies and two owners of approximately 25 durable medical equipment companies, for their roles in causing the submission of over $600 million in fraudulent claims to Medicare.  This is one of the largest health care fraud schemes ever investigated by the FBI and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of the Inspector General (HHS-OIG) and prosecuted by the Department of Justice, which previously resulted in charges against 21 other defendants.  The enforcement action also includes three additional recent guilty pleas by other defendants.  In addition, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, Center for Program Integrity (CMS/CPI) announced today that all appropriate administrative actions would be taken based on these charges.  As part of the announcement in April, CMS/CPI announced that it took administrative action against 130 DME companies that submitted over $1.7 billion in claims to the Medicare program. 

Today’s enforcement actions were led and coordinated by the Health Care Fraud Unit of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section in conjunction with its Medicare Fraud Strike Force (MFSF), as well as the U.S. Attorney’s Offices for the District of New Jersey, Eastern District of Pennsylvania, Western District of Pennsylvania, Eastern District of New York, Western District of New York, District of Connecticut and District of Columbia.  The MFSF is a partnership among the Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney’s Offices, the FBI and HHS-OIG.  In addition, IRS-Criminal Investigations (IRS-CI), Department of Defense-Defense Criminal Investigative (DoD-DCIS), Food and Drug Administration-Office of Inspector General (FDA-OIG), U.S. Postal Service-Office of Inspector General (USPS-OIG), the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit and other federal and state law enforcement agencies participated in the operation.

The charges and guilty pleas announced today continue to target corporate health care fraud involving fraudulent telemedicine companies and the solicitation of illegal kickbacks and bribes from health care suppliers in exchange for the referral of Medicare beneficiaries for medically unnecessary durable medical equipment and other testing.  The charges also involve individuals contributing to the opioid epidemic, including medical professionals involved in the unlawful distribution of opioids and other prescription narcotics, a particular focus for the Department.   According to the Centers for Disease Control, approximately 115 Americans die every day of an opioid-related overdose.

Today’s arrests and guilty pleas come one-year after the Department of Justice announced the formation of the Newark/Philadelphia Regional Medicare Fraud Strike Force, a joint law enforcement effort that brings together the resources and expertise of the Health Care Fraud Unit in the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section, the U.S. Attorney’s Offices for the District of New Jersey and the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, as well as law enforcement partners.  The Strike Force focuses its efforts on aggressively investigating and prosecuting complex cases involving patient harm, large financial loss to the public fisc, and the illegal prescribing and distribution of opioids and other dangerous narcotics.

“Physicians and other medical professionals who fraudulently bill our federal health care programs are stealing from taxpayers and robbing vulnerable patients of necessary medical care.  The medical professionals and others engaging in criminal behavior by peddling opioids for profit continue to fuel our nation’s drug crisis,” said Assistant Attorney General Brian A. Benczkowski of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division.  “The Department of Justice will continue to use every tool at our disposal, including data analytics and traditional law enforcement techniques, to investigate, prosecute, and punish this reprehensible behavior and protect federal programs from abuse.”

“As today’s takedown demonstrates, this Strike Force has produced precisely what we hoped it would – and by that I mean tangible results,” said U.S. Attorney William M. McSwain of the Eastern District of Pennsylvania.  “We have brought together a wealth of resources, knowledge, and subject-matter expertise – that of health care fraud prosecutors, civil enforcement assistant U.S. attorneys, data analysts, and law enforcement agencies – all working to stop fraud, waste, and abuse within our federal health care programs and to stem the tide of illegal opioid distribution.  These are top priorities of the Department of Justice and my Office, and our focus in this area continues to pay off.”

“Under the law, healthcare professionals are obligated to exercise appropriate care and judgment in the manner in which opiates are prescribed and distributed in order to ensure that such substances are, in fact, ‘controlled,’” said U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy Jr. of the Western District of New York. “When such professionals abandon that obligation and instead engage in acts of fraud and deceit, they will be prosecuted.”

“As alleged, defendants charged in the Eastern District of New York used fraud and deceit to steal Medicaid and Medicare funds meant to protect our elderly and most vulnerable residents,” stated U.S. Attorney Donoghue of the Eastern District of New York.  “As this initiative demonstrates, we will continue to bring to justice those that defraud our nation’s health care programs.” 

“We continue to work closely with our law enforcement partners to identify, investigate and eliminate fraud, waste and abuse in the nation’s federal healthcare programs,” said Deputy Administrator and CPI Center Director Alec Alexander.  “In this case, CMS will take swift administrative action against providers responsible for fraudulent billings to federal healthcare programs.  CMS is committed to protecting vulnerable beneficiaries from exploitation and safeguarding taxpayer dollars.”

“The FBI does not care about your status in life, your professional standing, your level of income, or your personal connections when you break the law," said Assistant Special Agent in Charge Wayne Jacobs of the FBI’s Newark Field Office.  “If you try to scam the system, if you exploit your professional license just to pad your pockets, if you mortgage your morals just to inflate your bank account, you will only find yourself in deeper debt.  We are committed to protecting the public; we are intent on rooting out fraud and corruption; we are duty-bound to track down and arrest anyone who is breaking our federal laws.  Don’t be next.”

“Healthcare fraud is not a victimless crime—with unscrupulous providers preying on Medicare beneficiaries and taxpayers alike.  Especially insidious is the fraud committed by healthcare professionals who are trusted to provide needed, quality services to patients,” said Special Agent in Charge Scott J. Lampert of HHS-OIG.  “With our law enforcement partners, our agency will continue to thoroughly investigate medical providers and others involved in healthcare fraud.”

“The physicians who chose to violate their oaths to “Do no harm” are nothing more than drug dealers wearing a white lab coat,” said Special Agent in Charge Susan A. Gibson of the Drug Enforcement Administration’s New Jersey Field Division.  “They have turned their backs on those most vulnerable.  We will continue to vigorously pursue these doctors who violate the faith and trust of those who need help.”

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Among those charged in the District of New Jersey are the following:

Elliot Loewenstern, 56, of Boca Raton, Florida, the vice president of marketing of purported call centers and telemedicine companies, pleaded guilty on Sept. 24, 2019, for his role in one of the largest health care fraud schemes ever investigated by the FBI and HHS-OIG and prosecuted by the Department of Justice, which resulted in charges in April 2019 against 24 defendants.   Loewenstern pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to defraud the United States and pay and receive health care kickbacks, and one count of solicitation of health care kickbacks.  Loewenstern was the Vice President of Marketing of PCS CC LLC and a marketer for Video Doctor USA (Video Doctor) and Telemed Health Group LLC (AffordADoc) (collectively, the Video Doctor Network).  In connection with his plea agreement, Loewenstern admitted causing the submission of over $424 million in fraudulent claims that resulted from the solicitation of illegal kickbacks and bribes in exchange for the referral of brace orders to brace providers.  In connection with his guilty plea, Loewenstern admitted that he and others agreed to solicit and receive illegal kickbacks and bribes from patient recruiters, brace suppliers and others in exchange for the arranging for doctors to order medically unnecessary orthotic braces for beneficiaries of Medicare and other insurance carriers.  The beneficiaries were contacted through an international telemarketing network that lured hundreds of thousands of elderly and/or disabled patients into a criminal scheme that crossed borders, involving call centers in the Philippines and throughout Latin America, Loewenstern stated.  Loewenstern admitted that many of these orders were written after only a short telephone call between the health care provider and the beneficiary, with whom the health care provider had no prior doctor-patient relationship.  In addition, Loewenstern admitted that he was aware that the owners and other executives of the Video Doctor Network schemed to defraud investors and others by making false and fraudulent representations that the Video Doctor Network was a legitimate telemedicine enterprise that made revenue of “$10 million per year” and “20 percent profit” from payments by beneficiaries who enrolled in a membership program and paid for the telemedicine consultations.  These statements were false because revenue was obtained by the Video Doctor Network through the receipt of illegal kickbacks and bribes, Loewenstern admitted.  In connection with his plea agreement, Loewenstern agreed to pay $200 million in restitution to the United States, as well as forfeit assets and property traceable to proceeds of the conspiracy to defraud the United States.  Loewenstern’s sentencing is set for Jan. 9, 2020, before U.S. District Judge Madeline Cox Arleo of the District of New Jersey, who accepted his plea.  Loewenstern was charged along with Creaghan Harry, 51, of Highland Beach, Florida, and Lester Stockett, 52, of Medellin, Colombia, in an indictment charging one count of conspiracy to defraud the United States and pay and receive health care kickbacks and four counts of health care kickbacks.  Stockett and Harry were separately charged with one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering.  Stockett, the Chief Executive Officer, previously entered a plea of guilty to one count of conspiracy to defraud the United States and one count of money laundering.  The case against Harry is pending.  Trial has not been set.  The case was investigated by FBI, HHS-OIG, and IRS-CI.  The case is being prosecuted by Acting Assistant Chief Jacob Foster and Trial Attorney Darren Halverson of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section.

Joseph DeCoroso, M.D., 62, of Toms River, New Jersey, pleaded guilty for his role in a $13 million conspiracy to commit health care fraud and separate charges of health care fraud for writing medically unnecessary orders for durable medical equipment (DME), in many instances without ever speaking to the patients, while working for two telemedicine companies.  Sentencing is set for Jan. 8, 2020.  The case was investigated by FBI Newark and HHS-OIG.  The case is being prosecuted by Acting Assistant Chief Jacob Foster and Trial Attorney Darren Halverson.

Nelly Petrosyan, 56, of New York, New York, the owner and operator of orthotic brace suppliers in New York, New York, was indicted  on one count of conspiracy to defraud the United States and to pay and receive health care kickbacks and three counts of payment of health care kickbacks.  The charges result from a $5.6 million conspiracy in which Petrosyan offered and paid kickbacks and bribes to several purported telemedicine companies in exchange for completed doctors’ orders of medically unnecessary orthotic braces for Medicare beneficiaries.  Petrosyan and her coconspirators concealed the fraud by entering into sham contracts and producing false invoices characterizing the kickbacks and bribes as payments for “marketing.”  The investigation was conducted by FBI Newark and HHS-OIG.  The case is being prosecuted by Trial Attorney Darren Halverson.

Alice Chu, M.D., 62, of Fort Lee, New Jersey, was indicted on one count of conspiracy to commit health care fraud and four counts of health care fraud.  The charges stem from Chu’s alleged submission of false and fraudulent claims to Medicare and private insurance companies for services that were medically unnecessary, never provided, not provided as represented or not eligible for reimbursement.  Chu was allegedly induced by a financial incentive to order expensive and medically unnecessary lab tests that were paid for by Medicare.  The investigation was conducted by FBI Newark, HHS-OIG, DOD-DCIS and FDA-OIC.  The case is being prosecuted by Trial Attorney Rebecca Yuan of the Fraud Section.

Aaron Williamsky 59, of Marlboro, New Jersey, and Nadia Levit, 40, of Englishtown, New Jersey, owners of approximately 25 durable medical equipment companies, pleaded guilty on Sept. 18 and Sept. 25, respectively, for their participation in a health care fraud scheme related to their payment of kickbacks in exchange for doctors’ orders for medically unnecessary orthotic braces.  Levit’s conduct admittedly caused losses in excess of $120 million and Williamsky’s conduct admittedly caused losses in excess of $170 million.  Williamsky also pleaded guilty to a money laundering conspiracy related to his attempt to conceal at least $1.65 million of the proceeds of the fraud.  The case was investigated by FBI, HHS-OIG, and IRS-CI.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sean Sherman and Stephen Ferketic of the District of New Jersey.

Bernard Ogon, M.D., 46, of Burlington, New Jersey, pleaded guilty on Sept. 25 to one count of health care fraud conspiracy for his participation in a vast compounded medication telemedicine conspiracy.  As part of the conspiracy, Ogon admittedly signed prescriptions for compounded medications (that is, medications with ingredients of a drug tailored to the needs of a particular patient) without having established a doctor-patient relationship, spoken to the patient or conducting any medical evaluation.  Ogon often signed preprinted prescription forms—with patient information and medication already filled out—where all that was required was his signature.  Then, instead of providing the prescription to the patient, Ogon would return the prescriptions to specific compounding pharmacies involved in the conspiracy.  Ogon was paid $20 to $30 for each prescription he signed, and his participation in the conspiracy caused losses to health care benefit programs of over $24 million, including losses to government health care programs of over $7 million.  The case was investigated by FBI Newark and HHS-OIG.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jason Gould of the District of New Jersey.

Joseph Santiamo, 64, of Staten Island, New York, a physician specializing in internal medicine and geriatrics was charged for allegedly conspiring to distribute and dispense controlled substances, including oxycodone, in exchange for sexual favors, and outside the usual course of professional practice and not for a legitimate medical purpose.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian Urbano of the District of New Jersey.

Yana Shtindler, 44, of Glen Head, New York; Samuel “Sam” Khaimov, 47, of Glen Head, New York; Alex Fleyshmakher, 33, of Morganville, New Jersey; and Ruben Sevumyants 36, of Marlboro, New Jersey were indicted in connection with a scheme at Prime Aid Pharmacies (located in Union City, New Jersey and Bronx, New York) that included: (a) paying illegal bribes and kickbacks to doctors and doctors’ employees in exchange for prescription referrals to Prime Aid; (b) billing health insurance providers for medications that were never actually provided to patients; and (c) opening new pharmacies and concealing the true ownership of those pharmacies to obtain lucrative contracts they otherwise would not have obtained.  The scheme of billing for medications that were never dispensed to patients was so egregious that Prime Aid received reimbursement payments of over $65 million for prescription medications that it never even ordered from distributors or had in stock.  In total, Prime Aid’s multiple schemes defrauded Medicare, Medicaid, and private insurers out of at least $99 million.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua Haber of the District of New Jersey.

Eduard “Eddy” Shtindler, 36, the owner and operator of Empire Pharmacy in West New York, New Jersey, was charged by criminal complaint for paying bribes to a psychiatrist in Hudson County, New Jersey, to induce the doctor to send prescriptions to Empire.  On occasion, Shtindler secreted cash bribes in pill bottles that were delivered to the doctor.  In exchange for these bribes, the doctor steered patients to Empire pharmacy. In addition, starting in 2015, Empire – at Shtindler’s direction – perpetrated a fraudulent scheme to induce doctors to send expensive specialty medication prescriptions to Empire. Specialty medications often required “prior authorization” before being approved for reimbursement by Medicare, Medicaid, and some private insurance providers.  To receive prior authorization approval more quickly and successfully than any other pharmacies, Empire employees, including two pharmacists, repeatedly falsified prior authorization forms for medications for various conditions, including psoriasis and Hepatitis C. In total, Empire defrauded Medicare and Medicaid out of at least $2 million.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua Haber of the District of New Jersey.

Matthew S. Ellis, 53, of Gainesville, Florida; Edward B. Kostishion, 59, Lakeland, Florida; Kyle D. Mclean, 36, of Arlington Heights, Illinois; Kacey C. Plaisance, 38, of Altamonte Springs, Florida; Jeremy Richey, 39, of Mars, Pennsylvania, and Jeffrey Tamulski, 46, of Tampa, Florida were indicted in connection with a genetic testing health care fraud scheme.  Kostishion, Plaisance, and Richey operated Ark Laboratory Network LLC (Ark), a company that purported to operate a network of laboratories that facilitated genetic testing.  Ark partnered with Privy Health Inc., a company that McLean operated, and another company to acquire DNA samples and Medicare information from hundreds of patients through various methods, including offering $75 gift cards to patients, all without the involvement of a treating health care professional.  Ellis, a physician based in Gainesville, served as the ordering physician who authorized genetic testing for hundreds of patients across the country that he never saw, examined, or treated.  These included patients from New Jersey and various other states where Ellis was not licensed to practice medicine. Through this process, Ellis, Kostishion, Plaisance, and McLean submitted and caused to be submitted fraudulent orders for genetic tests to numerous clinical laboratories.  These orders falsely certified that Ellis was the patients’ treating physician and, in many cases, contained false information indicating that a patient had a personal or family history of cancer, when, in fact, the patient had no cancer history whatsoever.  In 2018 alone, Medicare paid clinical laboratories at least approximately $4.6 million for genetic tests that Ellis ordered in this manner.  In addition, Kostishion, Plaisance, Richey and Tamulski entered into kickback agreements with certain clinical laboratories under which the laboratories would pay Ark a bribe in exchange for delivering DNA samples and orders for genetic tests.  The bribe payments were based on the percentage of Medicare revenue that the laboratories received in connection with the tests.  Among other things, Kostishion, Plaisance, Richey, and Tamulski concealed these kickback arrangements through issuing sham invoices to laboratories that purportedly reflected services provided at an hourly rate even though the parties had already agreed upon the bribe amount, which was based on the revenue the laboratories received.  In 2018, the clinical laboratories paid Ark at least approximately $1.8 in bribes.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Bernard Cooney of the District of New Jersey.

Among those charged in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania are the following:

Timothy F. Shawl, 60, of Garnet Valley, Pennsylvania, a medical doctor, was charged with five counts of unlawful distribution of controlled substances.  He allegedly wrote prescriptions for controlled substances that were outside the usual course of professional practice and not for a legitimate medical purpose.  Shawl allegedly wrote prescriptions for controlled substances for patients without seeing, treating or examining them.  Shawl allegedly prescribed hundreds of prescriptions for oxycodone to approximately 16 patients amounting to over 29,000 oxycodone tablets.  The FBI conducted the investigation.  The case is being prosecuted by Trial Attorney Debra Jaroslawicz of the Fraud Section.

Neil K. Anand, M.D., 42, of Bensalem, Pennsylavia, and Asif Kundi, 31, Atif Mahmood Malik, 34, and Viktoriya Makarova, 33, all of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania,  Anand, a medical doctor, Kundi and Malik, unlicensed foreign medical school graduates, and Makarova, a nurse practitioner, were indicted on one count of health care fraud and one count of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances.  The charges stem from the defendants’ alleged submission of false and fraudulent claims to Medicare, health plans provided by the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) and Independence Blue Cross (IBC).  The claims allegedly were  for “Goody Bags,” bags of medically unnecessary prescription medications that were dispensed by non-pharmacy dispensing sites owned by Anand.  In total, Medicare, OPM and IBC allegedly paid over $4 million for the Goody Bags.  Patients were allegedly required to take the Goody Bags in order to receive prescriptions for controlled substances. Malik and Kundi allegedly wrote prescriptions for controlled substances using blank prescriptions that were pre-signed by Anand or Makarova.  Anand and Makarova allegedly prescribed over 10,000 prescriptions for Schedule II controlled substances, of which over 7,000 were for oxycodone totaling over 634,000 oxycodone tablets.  The investigation was conducted by the FBI, HHS-OIG, USPS-OIG and OPM.  The case is being prosecuted by Trial Attorney Debra Jaroslawicz.

Twelve indictments were unsealed involving charges against 12 people for allegedly possessing oxycodone with intent to distribute.  The indictments charge that, from September 2016 through June 2019, the 12 defendants all presented forged prescriptions for oxycodone to various pharmacies outside of Philadelphia, in order to obtain oxycodone to distribute to others.  The defendants, all from Philadelphia, drove many miles to pharmacies in Mt. Laurel, New Jersey, Marcus Hook, Pennsylvania, Drexel Hill, Pennsylvania, and Kennett Square, Pennsylvania.  The defendants are charged with at least two, and up to 32, counts of possession with intent to distribute oxycodone.  The defendants are charged with having received anywhere from 6,300 milligrams to 135,000 milligrams of oxycodone.  According to the indictments, the defendants would often travel together to the pharmacies to fill their forged prescriptions.   Charged were:  Lamar Dillard, 37; Jermaine Grant, 29; Katrina Tucker, 32; Maurice Bertrand, 31; Courtney Brockenborough, 34; Alan Alexander Harrison, 29; Abdullah Howard, 23; Jonathan Metellus, 32; Clinton Monte Bullock; Crystal Coleman, 31; Marques Russell, 35, and Joseph Michael Simmons, 31.  One defendant, Metellus, is also charged with one count of health care fraud, for allegedly using his Medicaid card to purchase prescription drugs with a forged prescription.  The case was jointly investigated by the DEA’s Tactical Diversion Squad, HHS-OIG, the Pennsylvania Department of State’s Bureau of Enforcement and Investigations, the Chester County District Attorney’s Office and the Easttown Township Police Department.   The cases are being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys David E. Troyer, Elizabeth Abrams, Joan Burnes and Mary Kay Costello of the Eastern District of Pennsylvania.

Search and seizure warrants are being executed today at approximately six different locations.  The search and seizures are being executed by law-enforcement officers from six federal agencies, including HHS-OIG, the FBI, USPS-OIG, DOL-OIG, DOD and OPM.

Among those charged in the Eastern District of New York are the following:

Anna Steiner, M.D., also known as “Hanna Wasielewska,” 63, of Valatie, New York, a licensed anesthesiologist, was charged in a superseding indictment for an alleged $17.4 million health care fraud scheme related to the payment of kickbacks in return for the ordering of DME, prescription drugs and diagnostic tests that were not medically necessary and not the result of an actual doctor-patient relationship.  Steiner was originally indicted on July 9, 2019.  The case was investigated by FBI and HHS-OIG.  The case is being prosecuted by Fraud Section Trial Attorney Andrew Estes.

Dr. Denny Martin, 46, of New York, New York, a licensed Neurologist, was charged in a complaint for an alleged healthcare fraud scheme related to the billing of doctor home visits where none actually occurred.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U. S. Attorney William P. Campos.

Andrew Barrett, 60, of New City, New York, and his former wife, pharmacy owner Phyllis Pincus, 58, of New City, New York, were charged by indictment with healthcare fraud and false claims in a scheme where they billed insurers for medications not actually dispensed to patients.  In 2016, Barrett was sentenced to 43 months’ incarceration upon his guilty plea to tax fraud and healthcare fraud in which he billed insurers for medications not actually dispensed to patients.  He was excluded from participation in the Medicare and Medicaid programs for over 20 years.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney William P. Campos. 

Kevin McMahon, 31, of Seaford, New York, a registered professional nurse, was charged in a misdemeanor information with possession of fentanyl, which he obtained through the course of his employment at Nassau University Medical Center.  McMahon will plead guilty to the information pursuant to a plea agreement and has agreed to surrender his nursing license at the time of his plea.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Erin E. Argo.

Among those charged in the Western District of New York are the following:

Jillian Marks, 37, of Orchard Park, New York, a licensed nurse practitioner, was charged with obtaining controlled substances through fraud, wrongful use of government seal, and identity theft.   With access to the Neighborhood Health Center in the City of Buffalo’s internal computer databases, the defendant allegedly abused her position and illegally accessed the Allscripts prescription prescribing portal.  Marks allegedly prescribed approximately 2,000 dosage units of controlled substances such as Adderall and Oxycodone, in the names of health center patients, which she then had filled and picked up at local pharmacies.  At one point, Marks allegedly forged a letter from the DEA in order to appear “good” to her employer and allegedly used the DEA seal illegally.  The DEA conducted the investigation.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael J. Adler and Misha A. Coulson of the Western District of New York.

Karen Melton, 45, of Cuba, New York, was charged with obtaining controlled substances through fraud.  Melton, a medical secretary working for a physician in Olean, New York, was not licensed to prescribe controlled substances.  However, Melton allegedly used her access within the office to issue fraudulent prescriptions in her own name in both paper and electronic form.  The prescriptions were allegedly issued without a legitimate medical purpose.  Between September 2016 and May 2019, Melton allegedly issued 59 fraudulent prescriptions for controlled substances, including hydrocodone.  The DEA conducted the investigation.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael J. Adler and Misha A. Coulson.

Among those charged in the District of Connecticut are the following:

Philippe R. Chain, M.D., has entered into a civil settlement agreement with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Connecticut, in which he will pay $300,000 to resolve allegations that he violated the False Claims Acts.  Chain, who currently practices medicine in Florida, previously practiced medicine in Connecticut and performed telehealth services from Connecticut for a telemedicine company located in Las Vegas, Nevada.  The telehealth services Chain provided involved prescribing compounded medications to TRICARE beneficiaries. TRICARE is the federal health care program for active duty military personnel, retirees, and their families.  The government alleges that Chain caused pharmacies to submit false claims for compounded medications to TRICARE by issuing or approving prescriptions which were invalid, because Chain did not speak with or examine the patients in question and did not have an established physician-patient relationship with them, in exchange for compensation paid to Chain.  This matter was investigated by the U.S. Department of Defense, Office of Inspector General,  Defense Criminal Investigative Service.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Richard M. Molot of the District of Connecticut.

Among those charged in the Western District of Pennsylvania are the following:

Emilio Ramon Navarro, M.D., 58, of Coal Center, Pennsylvania, was charged with unlawfully dispensing controlled substances and health care fraud.  Counts 1 – 28 of the Indictment allege that from April 2018 until April 2019, Navarro unlawfully distributed Oxymorphone and Oxycodone, Schedule II substances, to a person in return for sexual favors, either physically or by electronic communications, outside the usual course of professional practice and not for a legitimate medical purpose.  Navarro is also charged in Count 29 with health care fraud for causing fraudulent claims to be submitted to Medicaid for payments to cover the costs of the unlawfully prescribed controlled substances.  This case was investigated by the Western Pennsylvania Opioid Fraud and Abuse Detection Unit which includes: FBI, HHS-OIG, DEA, IRS-CI, Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General - Medicaid Fraud Control Unit, Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General – Bureau of Narcotic Investigations, USPS, Veterans Affairs-OIG, FDA-CI, OPM-OIG, and the Pennsylvania Bureau of Licensing.  Assistant U.S. Attorneys Robert S. Cessar and Mark V. Gurzo are prosecuting the case.  

Among those charged in the District of Columbia are the following:

Hope Falowo, a personal care aide, was charged by information with one count of healthcare fraud for her role in a $400,000 fraud scheme where she would bill Medicaid in the District of Columbia for services she never provided.  The case is being prosecuted by Counsel to the Chief of the Health Care Fruad Unit Amy Markopoulos.

Nkiru Uduji, a personal care aide, pleaded guilty to one count of health care fraud conspiracy charged in an August 2019 Information.   The charges stem from Uduji’s role in a $600,000 fraud scheme in which she billed for more than 24 hours in a day, for services that were not rendered, and for services that were procured by kickbacks.  The case is being prosecuted by Counsel to the Chief of the Health Care Fruad Unit Amy Markopoulos.

A complaint, information or indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

The Fraud Section leads the Medicare Fraud Strike Force.  Since its inception in March 2007, the Medicare Fraud Strike Force, which maintains 15 strike forces operating in 24 districts, has charged nearly 4,000 defendants who have collectively billed the Medicare program for more than $14 billion.  In addition, the HHS Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, working in conjunction with the HHS-OIG, are taking steps to increase accountability and decrease the presence of fraudulent providers.

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that RAMON HERNANDEZ, 61, of Bridgeport, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey A. Meyer in New Haven to 36 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for distributing cocaine and violating the conditions of his supervised release from a prior federal conviction.

According court documents and statements made in court, an investigation led by the Drug Enforcement Administration revealed that Hernandez, who was on federal supervised release, was selling cocaine near a drug rehabilitation facility where he worked.  Investigators conducted multiple controlled purchases of cocaine from Hernandez near that facility.  On February 13, 2019, Hernandez was arrested after he possessed and intended to distribute more than 250 grams of cocaine.

Hernandez has been detained since his arrest.  On June 17, 2019, he pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine.  

In March 2006, Hernandez was sentenced in Bridgeport federal court to 84 months of imprisonment and 10 years of supervised release for his role in a cocaine trafficking ring.  He was released from federal prison in August 2011.

This matter was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Connecticut State Police Statewide Narcotics Task Force and Bridgeport Police Department.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Maria del Pilar Gonzalez.

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that LEONID POLLAK, also known as “Lenny,” 59, of Greenwich, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Janet C. Hall in New Haven to 12 months and one day of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for operating an investment fraud scheme.

According to court documents and statements made in court, Pollak owned a Norwalk-based company that organized trade shows and expositions throughout the U.S.  In mid-2013, Pollak induced an acquaintance to invest money in a new business venture that was supposed to organize similar expositions in Ukraine.  Instead of using the money to build the new business, Pollak spent at least $185,000 on unrelated business and personal expenses, including his home mortgage loan and private school tuition.

Judge Hall ordered Pollak to pay $236,049 in restitution to the victim.

Pollak was arrested on September 20, 2018.  On March 18, 2019, he pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud and one count of making illegal monetary transactions.

Pollak, who is released on a $200,000 bond, is required to report to prison on December 9.

This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division, with the assistance of the U.S. Secret Service and Greenwich Police Department.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christopher W. Schmeisser and Pilar Gonzalez.

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that JULIAN DE JESUS CASTILLO, 35, pleaded guilty yesterday in Hartford federal court to possession of contraband in a federal prison.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on February 8, 2018, Castillo, an inmate at the Federal Correctional Institution in Danbury, Connecticut, possessed a razor blade and a 7.5 inch piece of flat metal that had sharpened edges and a point at one end.  The razor blade was discovered taped to the underside of Castillo’s assigned bunk and the metal blade was concealed at the base of a pillar adjacent to Castillo’s bunk.  The objects were designed or intended to be used as weapons.

Castillo is scheduled be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea on December 19, 2019, at which time he faces a maximum term of imprisonment of five years.

This matter is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Anastasia E. King.

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that TERRANCE CLARK, also known as “T-Time,” 24, of Bridgeport, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey A. Meyer in New Haven to 90 months of imprisonment, followed by two years of supervised release, for firearm offenses.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on April 3, 2019, officers with the Bridgeport Police Department’s Tactical Narcotics Team arrested Clark after they found him in possession of crack cocaine, which was packaged for street level distribution, as well as a Glock 22 .40 caliber firearm loaded with a high capacity magazine.

Clark’s criminal history includes felony convictions in state court for possession of a firearm without a permit, stealing a firearm, and possession of narcotics.

Clark has been detained since his arrest on April 29, 2019.  On June 11, he pleaded guilty to one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

This matter was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Bridgeport Police Department.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jocelyn Courtney Kaoutzanis.

This prosecution is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make neighborhoods safer for everyone.

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that DAMIEN GARCIA, 32, and LAWRENCE McEWEN, 37, both of Vernon, have been charged by federal criminal complaint with firearm offenses related to the theft of guns from a Stafford pawn shop on September 14.

Garcia and McEwen were originally arrested on state charges on September 17.  Garcia, who was released on bond after his state arrest, was arrested on the federal charges yesterday.  He is detained pending a detention hearing that is scheduled for September 26.  McEwen has been detained since his state arrest.

As alleged in the criminal complaint, on September 15, 2019, the Connecticut State Police received a report that the Simon Says Pawn Shop, a Federal Firearms Licensee in Stafford, had been burglarized the previous evening and that several firearms had been stolen.  Investigators subsequently determined that six handguns were missing from the store.  On September 17, Vernon Police developed information that Garcia was involved in the burglary and was in possession of a firearm.  That evening, after officers approached Garcia and McEwen on West Main Street in Vernon, Garcia and McEwen attempted to flee before.  After both were apprehended, officers recovered a .40 caliber Smith and Wesson pistol that McEwen discarded as he ran away.  The firearm was one of the six stolen from the Simon Says Pawn Shop on September 14.

The other five missing handguns have not been recovered.

It is alleged that both Garcia and McEwen have previously been convicted of multiple felony offenses.

The complaint charges Garcia and McEwen with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and possession of a stolen firearm.  Both offenses carry a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years.

U.S. Attorney Durham stressed that a complaint is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt.  Charges are only allegations, and each defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

This matter is being investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Connecticut State Police, Vernon Police Department and Hartford Police Department.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Douglas P. Morabito.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make neighborhoods safer for everyone.

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that DAVID BOURNE, 37, of Hartland, pleaded guilty today in Hartford federal court to an explosives offense.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on December 6, 2018, Connecticut State Police responded to Rory Mocarsky’s residence in Hartland after reports of gunfire and explosions at the property, and after viewing a YouTube video showing Mocarsky and Bourne engaged in activities involving firearms and explosives.  A search of the property revealed an 8mm rifle, three .22 caliber rifles, a suspected homemade silencer, ammunition, a suspected improvised explosive device (“IED”), suspected post-blast IED devices and fragments, suspected explosive materials, and other electronic devices.  A related search of a location in the Tunxis State Forest in East Hartland, where Mocarsky and Bourne had recorded explosions, revealed metal fragments, a section of PVC pipe, and PVC pipe fragments from a suspected IED.

On January 2, 2019, Bourne threw a pipe bomb, which he constructed, into the back of a victim’s truck, where it exploded.

Bourne was arrested on May 9, 2019.

Bourne pleaded guilty to one count of possession of an unregistered destructive device, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years.  He is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea on December 17, 2019.

Bourne is released on a $50,000 bond pending sentencing.

On July 2, 2019, Mocarsky pleaded guilty to one count of possession of firearms by a convicted felon.  He is scheduled to be sentenced on December 18, 2019.

This matter is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco Firearms and Explosives, and Connecticut State Police.  The cases are being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Douglas P. Morabito.

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that WALTER ARNULFO GUZMAN RIVAS, 39, a citizen of El Salvador last residing in Stamford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey A. Meyer in New Haven to 24 months of imprisonment for illegally reentering the U.S. after being deported.

According to court documents and statements made in court, in July 2005, Guzman Rivas was deported from the U.S. to El Salvador after being convicted in Texas of three counts of assault on a family member.  He illegally reentered the U.S. and, in 2006, was convicted in Kentucky of four counts of robbery in the second degree, for which he was sentenced to 10-years of incarceration.  He was again deported to El Salvador in July 2009.

On April 11, 2018, Guzman Rivas was arrested by the Stamford Police Department and charged with sex assault, risk of injury and illegal sexual contact offenses.  He was subsequently convicted of risk of injury to a child and, on May 8, 2019, was sentenced to five years of incarceration, suspended.

On April 11, 2019, Guzman Rivas pleaded guilty in federal court to one count of reentry of a removed alien.

Guzman Rivas has been detained since his state arrest.

This investigation was conducted by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Deborah R. Slater.

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that PLACIDO SANTIAGO, 62, a citizen of the Dominican Republic last residing in Bridgeport, pleaded guilty yesterday before U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in Bridgeport to reentry of a removed alien.

According to court documents and statements made in court, in October 1999, Santiago, who at the time was a lawful permanent resident of the U.S., was convicted in Massachusetts of indecent assault and battery on a child under 14.  Santiago was deported to the Dominican Republic in October 2006.

On November 6, 2018, Santiago was arrested by the Bridgeport Police Department on assault charges.  He has been detained since his arrest.

At sentencing, which is not yet scheduled, Santiago faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.

This matter is being investigated by the Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Maria del Pilar Gonzalez.

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that ZIMER KALICI, 55, of Waterbury, waived his right to be indicted and pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Jeffrey A. Meyer in New Haven to one count of theft of public money related to his illegal receipt of Social Security benefits.

U.S. Attorney Durham noted that individuals are not eligible for Social Security benefits when they permanently relocate to live outside of the U.S., and eligibility for Social Security benefits terminates upon death.

According to court documents and statements made in court, Kalici’s father, a Social Security benefits recipient, relocated from the U.S. to Macedonia in 2009, and died in January 2010.  Kalici did not report his father’s death to the Social Security Administration and, between 2009 and 2018, deposited approximately $52,417.84 worth of Social Security checks intended for his father into his own personal bank account.

In November 2018, Kalici was interviewed by investigators with the Social Security Administration Office of Inspector General (“SSA OIG”).  During the interview, Kalici stated that his father was still alive and had left the U.S. for Macedonia in May 2018.  Kalici subsequently provided SSA OIG with a false funeral internment certificate that represented his father had died on November 26, 2018.

Judge Meyer scheduled sentencing for February 28, 2020, at which time Kalici faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years.

Kalici is released on a $25,000 bond pending sentencing.

This matter is being investigated by the Social Security Administration Office of Inspector General and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Margaret E. Maigret.

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Administrator Carmen Rottenberg, U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service, announced that DEBBIE L. SMITH, 60, of Ellington, waived her right to be indicted and pleaded guilty today in Hartford federal court to a charge related to a Connecticut meat processing business’s falsification of numerous E. coli test results.

According to court documents and statements made in court, New England Meat Packing, LLC, located in Stafford Springs, is a federally inspected business engaged in the slaughtering, processing, selling and transporting of meat and meat food products for human consumption.  Pursuant to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) approved Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) plan for New England Meat Packing, the company is required to perform one generic E. coli carcass swab for every 300 animals slaughtered and to periodically collect ground beef samples for E. coli testing.

Memet Bequiri is the owner and general manager of New England Meat Packing, and Smith is/was the HACCP Coordinator/Quality Control Officer for the company.  Between November 3, 2016 and September 9, 2017, Smith prepared and submitted in the company’s Lab Sample Report binder, which the USDA’s Food Safety Inspection Service (FSIS) reviews, a total of 36 documents relating to 52 separate carcass swabs and ground beef samples on behalf of New England Meat Packing.  The 36 documents were each on the letterhead of a certified laboratory that tests food product samples to ensure safety and wholesomeness and signed by the laboratory director.  The documents stated that the required E. coli testing of samples submitted by New England Meat Packing had been conducted and completed, and that all 52 samples tested negative for E. coli.  In fact, none of the 52 carcass swabs and samples had been submitted or tested by the identified laboratory, or any other laboratory, and the 36 documents were fraudulently prepared using laboratory letterhead obtained from previous testing that New England Meat Packing had conducted with that laboratory.

The investigation revealed that Beqiri authorized the preparation and submission of the fabricated E. coli test results.  During an interview with a USDA’s FSIS investigator, Beqiri admitted that the documents were fraudulent, and that his business did not collect and submit the samples to the certified laboratory because he did not correlate the potential impact on food safety with his sampling program and wanted to create the appearance he was compliant with all USDA HACCP testing requirements.

There have been no known instances of illnesses reported by anyone who consumed the meat in any of the states where the meat was distributed.

Smith pleaded guilty to one count of making and using a false document, a charge that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of five years. 

Smith is released on bond pending sentencing, which is scheduled for December 10, 2019.

On August 20, 2019, Beqiri pleaded guilty to one count of making and using a false document and aiding and abetting.  He awaits sentencing.

The investigation was conducted by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Food Safety and Inspection Service, Office of Investigations, Enforcement and Audit.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Deborah R. Slater.

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that SUSANNA KURUS, 44, of Garner, North Carolina, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to 30 days of imprisonment, followed by 60 days of home confinement, for embezzling more than $130,000 from her former Connecticut employer.  Kurus also must serve two years of supervised release, during which she is required to perform 100 hours of community service.

According to court documents and statements made in court, Kurus formerly resided in Connecticut and was employed as the accounting manager for a company based in Stratford.  Between approximately October 2014 and June 2017, Kurus used the company’s financial accounting software to transfer customer credits to at least six personal debit card accounts, and then used the money for personal expenditures.  Through this scheme, she stole $133,870.55.

Judge Shea ordered Kurus to make full restitution.

On March 13, 2019, Kurus pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud.

Kurus, who is released on $200,000 bond, is required to report to prison on January 6, 2020.

This matter was investigated by the Connecticut Financial Crimes Task Force, U.S. Secret Service and Stratford Police Department.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ray Miller.

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that RAFAEL ARROYO, 34, of Hartford, pleaded guilty today in Hartford federal court to narcotics distribution and firearm possession offenses.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on July 26, 2018, a court-authorized search of Arroyo’s Broad Street apartment revealed approximately 400 bags of packaged heroin, a distribution quantity of cocaine, a Star S.A. 9mm semiautomatic pistol, an H&R “Sportsman” .22 caliber long rifle revolver, a Group Industries 9mm firearm, assorted ammunition, and three bulletproof vests.

Arroyo pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute heroin and cocaine, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years, and one count possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, which carries a mandatory consecutive sentence of at least five years.  He is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Alvin W. Thompson on December 18, 2019.

Arroyo’s criminal history includes state felony convictions for drug and firearm offenses.  Arroyo has been detained since his arrest on July 26, 2018.

This matter has been investigated by the Hartford Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Northern Connecticut Violent Crimes Task Force.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael J. Gustafson.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make neighborhoods safer for everyone.

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that CRUZ FERNANDEZ, also known as “Blood,” 28, of Hartford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey A. Meyer in New Haven to 37 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for distributing fentanyl and heroin.

According to court documents and statements made in court, this matter stems from an investigation headed by the FBI’s Northern Connecticut Violent Crimes Task Force and the Hartford Police Department’s Vice and Narcotics Division targeting gang violence and narcotics trafficking in Hartford.  The investigation revealed that Wilson Velez, also known as “Wiso,” a member of the Almighty Latin Kings Nation (“Latin Kings”), was distributing heroin and fentanyl.  Velez employed family members and other Latin Kings members and associates to process, package and distribute the drugs from apartment buildings on Hamilton Street and Elliot Street in Hartford.  During the investigation, law enforcement conducted multiple controlled purchases of narcotics from Velez and other members of the drug trafficking organization.

Fernandez, who is originally from New York, is a member of the Bloods, not the Latin Kings.  He relocated to Springfield, Massachusetts, and then to Hartford, where he began distributing fentanyl/heroin that he had acquired from Velez and other Latin Kings members.

At the time of the offense, Fernandez was on probation following a heroin related arrest in Springfield.

On May 1, 2018, a grand jury returned a 41-count indictment charging Velez, Fernandez and eight other members and associates of the Latin Kings.  Fernandez was arrested on May 7, 2018.  On February 26, 2019, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and distribution of, heroin and fentanyl.

Velez was arrested on federal narcotics offenses on December 7, 2017, and was subsequently released on bond.  He has been detained since April 5, 2018, when his bond was revoked.  On February 22, 2019, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute one kilogram or more of heroin and/or 400 grams or more of fentanyl, and one count of conspiracy to use and carry a firearm in relation to, and furtherance of, a drug trafficking crime.  He awaits sentencing.

The FBI Task Force includes members of the Hartford Police Department, East Hartford Police Department, Connecticut State Police and Connecticut Department of Correction.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian P. Leaming.

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Brian C. Turner, Special Agent in Charge of the New Haven Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, today announced that STEVEN KENT STRANGE, 49, of Bailey, North Carolina, was arrested yesterday on a federal criminal complaint charging him with defrauding his employer’s charity matching gift program.

According to the criminal complaint, Strange is employed by Collins Aerospace, which is a business unit of United Technologies Corporation (“UTC”), based in Farmington, Connecticut.  UTC has a Matching Gift Program, through which the company will match an employee donation, up to $25,000 annually, to a charity.  In 2008, Strange established the Housing Development Foundation of North Carolina, Inc., and listed his residence at the principal office for the charity.  Strange began working for Collins Aerospace in 2014.

The complaint alleges that, between approximately 2016 and June 2019, Strange defrauded UTC’s Matching Gift Program by submitting fraudulent records of donations, including fabricated cashiers checks, he and coworkers purportedly made to the Housing Development Foundation.  Between 2017 and 2019, UTC transferred approximately $367,000 in matching funds to the Housing Development Foundation of North Carolina.  A review of the foundation’s bank records reveal that a large portion of the foundation’s expenditures appears to be personal expenditures. 

The complaint charges Strange with wire fraud, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.

Strange appeared yesterday before U.S. Magistrate Judge James E. Gates in Raleigh, North Carolina, and was released pending his court appearance in the District of Connecticut.

U.S. Attorney Durham stressed that a complaint is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt.  Charges are only allegations, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

This investigation is being conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher W. Schmeisser.

U.S. Attorney Durham thanked the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of North Carolina for its assistance with yesterday’s arrest and court proceeding.

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that LILIBETH PEREZ, 20, of New Britain, pleaded guilty today in Hartford federal court to a conspiracy charge related to her role in a counterfeit check bank fraud scheme.

According to court documents and statements made in court, between approximately December 2017 and December 2018, Perez and others obtained access to bank accounts in the name of other individuals, deposited counterfeit checks into those accounts, and withdrew money from the accounts before the banks discovered the checks to be counterfeit.  The investigation revealed that Perez and others obtained access to the bank accounts by recruiting individuals through social media and persuading the individuals to share their account information, including debit cards and associated PIN numbers.

Perez pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 30 years.  She is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant on January 3, 2020.

Perez was arrested on a criminal complaint on January 9, 2019.  She is released on a $100,000 bond.

This matter is being investigated by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the U.S. Secret Service.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John T. Pierpont, Jr.

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Brian C. Turner, Special Agent in Charge of the New Haven Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, today announced that a jury in New Haven has found FAREED AHMED KHAN, 61, of Manchester, guilty of making a false statement during an interview with federal law enforcement.  A trial before U.S. District Judge Jeffrey A. Meyer began on September 16 and the jury returned its verdict this morning.

According to the evidence presented during the trial, Khan was born in Pakistan and became a naturalized U.S. citizen in February 2003.  Khan was a member of the Islamic Circle of North America (“ICNA”) and was responsible for collecting cash and check donations to ICNA for its various charitable events.  In 2014, the Federal Bureau of Investigation learned that, over the course of approximately eight years, Khan received more than $200,000 in cash deposits into his bank account.  Investigators also learned that Khan was transacting with an individual in Pakistan who was arranging for third parties to deposit cash into Khan’s account to fund medical equipment purchases for the individual in Pakistan.  Khan then collected the purchased medical equipment, repackaged the items, and shipped them to Pakistan.

On June 26, 2015, the FBI interviewed Khan.  During the interview, Khan made multiple false statements, including that he was not affiliated with ICNA, did not know anyone from ICNA, had never collected charitable donations for ICNA, and that the only packages he had ever sent to Pakistan were to his sister and brother and contained clothing.

On October 13, 2015, investigators conducted court-authorized search of Khan’s residence and seized numerous items related to Khan’s role in ICNA.  In addition, a search of Khan’s cellular phone revealed WhatsApp messages between Khan and his associate in Pakistan detailing Khan’s involvement in multiple shipments of medical equipment to Pakistan.

At sentencing, Khan faces a maximum term of imprisonment of five years.  A sentencing date is not scheduled.

Khan is released on a $50,000 bond.

This matter has been investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Joint Terrorism Task Force, Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Federal Air Marshal Service, and Manchester Police Department.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Vanessa Richards and Rahul Kale, with the assistance of Trial Attorneys Troy Edwards and David Cora of the Justice Department’s National Security Division.

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that DARRYCK NORRIS, 25, of Bridgeport, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill in Bridgeport to 21 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for distributing heroin.

According to court documents and statements made in court, at approximately 8:49 p.m. on October 27, 2016, Milford Police and emergency medical personnel responded to a residence in Milford and found an unresponsive 37-year-old male slumped over in the downstairs living area of the residence.  Emergency personnel attempted lifesaving measures and administered two doses of the opiate antidote Narcan, which had no effect.  The victim was pronounced deceased.  Officers searched the immediate area and seized four empty baggies and one full baggy that contained suspected heroin.  Each of the bags was stamped with the same brand stamp.

Officers also seized the victim’s iPhone.  Analysis of text messages revealed that the victim had ordered heroin from Norris earlier that day.  Witness interviews and further cellphone analysis revealed that the victim had purchased heroin from Norris for several months prior to the victim’s overdose.

On November 1, 2016, members of the DEA and Milford Police Department conducted a controlled purchase of heroin from Norris in Bridgeport.  The heroin bags purchased were stamped with the same stamp that was found on the bags seized from the overdose victim’s residence.

Norris was arrested on a federal criminal complaint on November 3, 2016, and was released on a $50,000 bond.  On May 17, 2017, he pleaded guilty to one count of distribution of heroin.

Judge Underhill allowed Norris to remain released on bond pending sentencing, and granted Norris’ request to attend the U.S. District Court’s Support Court program.

On February 16, 2018, Norris was arrested by the Bridgeport Police Department and charged with possession of narcotics with intent to sell, and other offenses. Subsequent investigation revealed that Norris had been distributing heroin between approximately December 2017 and his arrest on February 16, 2018.

On October 11, 2018, Norris pleaded guilty to a second count of distribution of heroin.

This matter was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Bridgeport Resident Office, the DEA’s New Haven Task Force, and the Milford and Bridgeport Police Departments.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Douglas P. Morabito.

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that ANTHONY MORALES, 30, of Waterbury, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Kari A. Dooley in Bridgeport to one count of possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on January 19, 2019, Waterbury Police received a report that Morales had been involved in a domestic dispute and was in possession of a firearm.  Investigators subsequently encountered Morales at a hotel Waterbury.  A search of Morales’ room revealed a Taurus, Model 85, .38 caliber revolver loaded with five rounds of ammunition, and an additional 13 rounds of loose ammunition.

Morales’ criminal history includes state felony convictions for robbery, larceny, assault and narcotics offenses.

It is a violation of federal law for a person previously convicted of a felony offense to possess a firearm or ammunition that has moved in interstate or foreign commerce.

Judge Dooley scheduled sentencing for December 12, 2019, at which time Morales faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years.

Morales has been detained since his federal arrest on May 13, 2019.

This matter has been investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco Firearms and Explosives and the Waterbury Police Department.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Douglas P. Morabito.

This prosecution has been brought through Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make neighborhoods safer for everyone.

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that MARTIN NUNEZ, 41, of Hartford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Kari A. Dooley in Bridgeport to 21 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for illegally possessing a firearm and ammunition.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on October 15, 2018, state parole officers, with the assistance of Hartford Police, conducted a compliance check of Nunez at his residence.  A search of the residence revealed a .380 caliber handgun, a firearm magazine, and five rounds of ammunition in a dresser drawer in Nunez’s bedroom.  Nunez was arrested at that time.

Nunez’s criminal history includes a state conviction for assault in the first degree, and multiple convictions for distributing narcotics.

It is a violation of federal law for a person previously convicted of a felony offense to possess a firearm or ammunition that has moved in interstate or foreign commerce.

On June 27, 2019, Nunez pleaded guilty to one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

Nunez has been detained in state custody since his arrest.  He will begin serving his 21-month federal sentenced today.

This matter was investigated by the FBI’s Northern Connecticut Violent Crimes Gang Task Force and the Hartford Police Department.  The FBI Task Force includes members of the Hartford Police Department, East Hartford Police Department, Connecticut State Police and Connecticut Department of Correction.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Hal Chen.

This prosecution has been brought through Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make neighborhoods safer for everyone.

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that CHARLES WILKERSON, 37, of Waterbury, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to 60 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, for distributing crack cocaine.

According to court documents and statement made in court, in May and June 2018, law enforcement made four controlled purchases of crack cocaine from Wilkerson in Waterbury.  One of the crack cocaine sales involved approximately 34 grams of crack.

Wilkerson was arrested on a federal criminal complaint on August 16, 2018.  On May 2, 2019, he pleaded guilty to one count of distribution of 28 grams or more of cocaine base (“crack”).

Wilkerson, who is released on a $200,000 bond, is required to report to prison on October 7.

Wilkerson’s criminal history includes several state convictions, including five convictions for distributing narcotics.  At the time of the drug sales in May and June 2018, he was released on bond after being arrested in Torrington for distributing crack and other offenses.

This matter was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, Federal Bureau of Investigation and Waterbury Police Department.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Natasha Freismuth.

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that MELISSA MEOLE, 34, of North Branford, was arrested today on a federal criminal complaint charging her with multiple embezzlement, fraud and identity theft offenses.

MEOLE appeared this afternoon before U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert M. Spector in New Haven and was released on a $200,000 bond.

As alleged in the criminal complaint, Meole was employed by Bridgeport Health Care Center Inc. (“BHCC-INC”), a corporation that operates a nursing and rehabilitation facility in Bridgeport known as Bridgeport Health Care Center (“BHCC”).  Prior to November 2018, BHCC-INC also operated a second nursing and rehabilitation facility in Bridgeport known as Bridgeport Manor.  Meole worked in BHCC-INC’s business office and was responsible for processing payroll and for handling the finances of the Bridgeport Manor resident trust account.  Between approximately January and October 2018, Meole embezzled approximately $150,000 from the BHCC and Bridgeport Manor resident trust accounts.

In addition, the complaint alleges that Meole stole more than $29,000 from BHCC-INC in the form of payroll checks, which she deposited into her personal bank account.

It is further alleged that, after Meole’s employment with BHCC-INC was terminated in October 2018, Meole defrauded another employer of more than $9,000, and she defrauded multiple banks in an identity theft and check kiting scheme.

The complaint charges Meole with theft or embezzlement in connection with health care, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years; health care fraud, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years; wire fraud, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years; bank fraud, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 30 years; and aggravated identity theft, which carries a mandatory two-year term of imprisonment.

U.S. Attorney Durham stressed that a complaint is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt.  Charges are only allegations, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

This matter is being investigated by the U.S. Department of Labor – Office of Inspector General, U.S. Department of Labor – Employee Benefits Security Administration, Boston Regional Office, Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys David E. Novick and Neeraj N. Patel.

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that RAYMOND GEORGE, 53, of Hamden, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill in Bridgeport to nine months of imprisonment, followed by one year of supervised release, for tax evasion.  Judge Underhill also ordered George to pay a $5,000 fine.

According to court documents and statements made in court, George owns and operates a Ray & Mike’s, LLC, a delicatessen located at 3030 Whitney Avenue in Hamden.  For the 2012 and 2013 tax years, George evaded payment of his federal income taxes in multiple ways.  First, George failed to deposit all of the cash receipts of the business into his business bank account.  He used a portion of the cash to fill an in-store ATM and failed to report the cash as income.

In addition, George used the Ray & Mike business account to pay personal expenses.  He also deposited three large checks totaling nearly $300,000 from the Ray & Mike’s business account into his personal investment account, without reporting the funds as income in any capacity, and then withdrew funds from the investment account to purchase personal investment properties.  He also deposited a $25,800 check from the Ray & Mike’s lottery account into his personal investment account without reporting the funds as income.

On his federal tax returns, George underreported his income by approximately $365,065 for the 2012 tax year and by $273,108 for the 2013 tax year, and failed to pay a total of approximately $220,000 in taxes for those two years.

George has paid the IRS approximately $480,000 in back taxes, interest and penalties.

On May 17, 2019, George pleaded guilty to one count of tax evasion.

George, who is released on a $100,000 bond, is required to report to prison on March 17, 2020.

This case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division, and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael S. McGarry with the assistance of Law Student Intern Virginia Manoyan.

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that VINCENT JONES, 51, of New Haven, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in Bridgeport to 63 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for bank robbery offenses. 

According to court documents and statements made in court, Jones attempted to rob the Key Bank located at 245 Main Street in East Haven on July 31, 2017; robbed the Webster Bank located at 247 Boston Post Road in Orange of $5,469 on July 31, 2017, and robbed the Bank of America located at 1331 Boston Post Road in Milford of $6,578 on August 8, 2018.

On January 31, 2019, Jones pleaded guilty to one count of bank robbery.

Jones, who has an extensive criminal history, has been detained since August 9, 2018, when he was arrested on related state charges.

This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the East Haven, Orange, Milford, New Haven and Waterbury Police Departments.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Douglas P. Morabito.

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Jeffrey Ebersole, Special Agent in Charge of the Food and Drug Administration, Office of Criminal Investigations, New York Field Office, today announced that a federal grand jury in New Haven has returned an indictment charging ROBERT J. TRIGO, 75, of Middletown, and his business, NATUREMOST OF NEW ENGLAND, INC., with manufacturing and selling adulterated dietary supplements.

The indictment was returned on September 6, 2019, and Trigo surrendered to law enforcement this morning.  He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert M. Spector in New Haven and was released on a $250,000 bond.

As alleged in the indictment, Trigo owns NatureMost of New England, Inc. (“NatureMost”), located in Middletown.  NatureMost manufactures, among other things, vitamins and dietary supplements, which it sells and distributes to wholesalers, distributors and retailers, as well as to individual consumers throughout the U.S. and several foreign countries.  On December 4, 2014, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (“FDA”) held a meeting with Trigo to discuss NatureMost’s violations of current good manufacturing practice regulations.  Trigo informed the FDA that NatureMost had ceased production and distribution of all products as of that date, and he promised to meet with the FDA before resuming operations. 

It is further alleged that Trigo never contacted the FDA about resuming operations and, in 2017, NatureMost and Trigo fraudulently sold adulterated dietary supplements that were not prepared, packed or held in accordance with current good manufacturing practice regulations.

The indictment charges Trigo and NatureMost with three counts of introducing adulterated dietary supplements into interstate commerce.  If convicted of the charges, Trigo faces maximum term of imprisonment of three years and a fine of up to $250,000 on each count, and NatureMost faces a fine of up to $500,000 on each count.

U.S. Attorney Durham stressed that an indictment is not evidence of guilt.  Charges are only allegations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

This matter is being investigated by the Food and Drug Administration, Office of Criminal Investigations.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Neeraj N. Patel.

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Brian C. Turner, Special Agent in Charge of the New Haven Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, today announced that a federal grand jury in New Haven has returned an indictment charging KENNETH LUPOLI, 57, of Hamden, with one count of possession of explosives by a convicted felon.

The indictment was returned on September 6, 2019, and Lupoli was arrested this morning at his home in Hamden.  He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert M. Spector in New Haven and was released on a $100,000 bond.

As alleged in the indictment, on May 28, 2019, Lupoli possessed several explosives, including fireworks, fuses, and salutes.  Lupoli’s criminal history includes state felony convictions for illegal possession of explosives and criminal possession of a pistol or revolver.

It is a violation of federal law for a person previously convicted of an offense punishable by more than one year of imprisonment to possess any explosive that has been transported in interstate or foreign commerce.

If convicted of the charge, Lupoli faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years.

U.S. Attorney Durham stressed that an indictment is not evidence of guilt.  Charges are only allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

This matter is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Neeraj N. Patel.

U.S. Attorney John H. Durham, Brian C. Turner, Special Agent in Charge of the New Haven Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration for New England, and Jason Thody, Interim Chief of the Hartford Police Department, today announced that 11 men have been charged with various federal offenses related to the distribution of fentanyl and other narcotics in Hartford and, the illegal possession of firearms.

In July 2019, after a spate of gun violence in Hartford, the FBI’s Northern Connecticut Violent Crimes Gang Task Force, DEA, Hartford Police Department and other law enforcement agencies, including the East Hartford Police Department and Connecticut State Police, initiated an investigation targeting gang-related drug distribution and associated violence in north Hartford.  The investigation has included numerous controlled purchases of narcotics.

On September 11, 2019, a grand jury in Hartford returned seven indictments charging 10 of the defendants.  Nine defendants were arrested this morning, one defendant was previously arrested on a state parole violation, and one defendant was arrested and indicted in August.  All are presently detained.

In association with today’s arrests, law enforcement conducted four federal search warrants and recovered two firearms in the home of one of the defendants.

During today’s operation, several individuals also were arrested on various state charges.

Unless otherwise noted, the following individuals are Hartford residents and were arrested today:

PEDRO ALVARADO, 43, is charged in a two-count indictment with one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and one count of possession of marijuana with intent to distribute.  The indictment alleges that, on July 24, 2019, Alvarado possessed a loaded Smith & Wesson, Model 422, .22 caliber handgun, and marijuana.  Prior to that date, Alvarado was convicted in state court of felony risk of injury, assault, larceny and narcotics offenses.

HANEEF BROOKS, 40, is charged in an indictment with one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.  The indictment alleges that, on July 15, 2019, Brooks possessed a 7.62x39mm Norinco SKS rifle.  Prior to that date, Brooks was convicted in state court of felony weapon possession and drug offenses.

NATHANIEL DEJESUS, 19, is charged in a three-count indictment with one count of possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, cocaine base (“crack”), one count of possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, fentanyl and cocaine base; and one count of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and cocaine base.  It is alleged that DeJesus possessed and/or distributed the narcotics on three occasions in August 2019.

BRIAN EVANS, 20 and JORDAN MADDOX, 22, are charged in a five-count indictment with possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, fentanyl.  The indictment alleges that Evans and Maddox distributed the drug on multiple occasions in July and August 2019.  During one of the transactions, Maddox also distributed a quantity of crack cocaine.  A search of Evans’ residence today revealed two firearms.

JOSHUA JENKINS, 26, KENDALL FAIR, 20, and TRELIQUE WARD, 20, are charged in a 10-count indictment with various offenses related to the distribution of fentanyl and crack cocaine between July and September 2019.  Ward was previously arrested for a state parole violation and is currently in state custody.

SHAUN HAWKINS, 42, is charged in an indictment with three counts of possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, cocaine base, related to his distribution of the drug on three occasions in August and September 2019.

CHRISTIAN PATTERSON, 19, is charged in a three-count indictment with one count of possession with intent to distribute, and distribution, of cocaine base, and two counts of possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of fentanyl and cocaine base.  It is alleged that Patterson distributed the drugs in August and September 2019.

On August 21, 2019, a grand jury returned an indictment charging McCLENDON JONES, 39, of Bloomfield, with two counts of possession with intent to distribute multiple controlled substances, including, fentanyl, heroin, cocaine base, cocaine, PCP and marijuana. On August 8, 2019, it is alleged that Jones sped away from investigators who were conducting a traffic stop in Hartford.  Jones’ vehicle struck a city transit bus and then another vehicle before it crashed into a fence on Mahl Avenue.  After Jones was apprehended, a search of the vehicle revealed approximately 47 grams of crack cocaine, a half-pound of marijuana, 100 bags of packaged fentanyl, and 60 bags of packaged heroin.  A subsequent search of Jones’ residence revealed a glass jar containing approximately 28 grams of liquid PCP, 1,000 bags of packaged fentanyl/heroin, 145 grams of powder cocaine, 350 grams of crack, 27 grams of fentanyl, 230 grams of raw heroin, 12 pounds of marijuana, and $8,000 in cash.  Jones has been detained since his arrest.

U.S. Attorney Durham stressed that charges are not evidence of guilt.  Charges are only allegations, and each defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

The FBI Task Force includes members of the Hartford Police Department, East Hartford Police Department, Connecticut State Police and Connecticut Department of Correction.

The U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Manchester Police Department, West Hartford Police Department and the North Central SWAT Team assisted today’s arrests.

These cases are being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael J. Gustafson, S. Dave Vatti and Geoffrey M. Stone.

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JOHN DEPPERT, 64, of Woodstock, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant in Hartford to six months of imprisonment, followed by two years of supervised release, for stealing benefits from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (the “VA”).

According to court documents and statements made in court, Deppert’s sister received disability compensation benefits from the VA through a direct deposit to her bank account.  After Deppert’s sister died in January 2015, Deppert had access to her sister’s bank account, which continued to receive regular deposits of VA benefits.

In September 2017, the VA identified that Deppert’s sister had died and terminated the benefits payments.  In October 2017, Deppert called the VA and, posing as his sister, explained that “she” was not deceased.  As a result, the VA reinitiated the benefits payments to the bank account, and also issued a back payment of benefits.

In April 2018, after the VA again identified that Deppert’s sister had died, a VA employee contacted the telephone number it had for Deppert’s sister.  Deppert, again posing as his sister, answered the call, provided his sister’s date of birth and social security number, and stated that “she” was alive.

In May 2018, Deppert, posing as his sister, left a message on a VA employee’s voicemail system requesting that all future contact be by fax or email.  He subsequently sent a fax with a change of address form attached to the VA.  The coversheet for the fax stated: “I am alive and living in Woodstock Valley, CT!”  Deppert signed his sister’s name on the coversheet.

Through this scheme, Deppert stole $77,292.  Judge Bryant ordered Deppert to pay full restitution.

On April 4, 2019, Deppert pleaded guilty to one count of theft of government property.

Deppert, who is released on a $50,000 bond, is required to report to prison on October 23.

This matter was investigated by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Office of Inspector General, Criminal Investigations Division.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah P. Karwan.